Chicano and Hispanic theater is an important part of American theater identity. It can be dated as far back as 1598 in the Americas. It really grew during the 19th century with major centers of growth being in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Hispanic theater is theater that is from a population of peoples from Spanish speaking countries. This form of theater focuses on colors, family values, identity, religion, race, immigration, and politics etc. Chicano theater is predominately about Hispanic American women and their culture here in the United States of America. This form of theater is vital for minorities that belong to this group of peoples because it offers a voice in an otherwise white washed society.